Prince Eristoff

## Basic Information

Prince Eristoff (also Eristavi) was a member of one of the most prominent Georgian princely families. The Eristavi (literally "head of the people") were feudal rulers in Georgia who retained their princely titles after Georgia's incorporation into the Russian Empire. Several members of the Eristoff family were prominent in Russian and European high society during the 19th century.

## Connection to Marie's Diary

As part of the Russian aristocratic network, Prince Eristoff would have been known to the Bashkirtseff family through their shared circles in Nice and Paris. Georgian princes were a distinctive presence in Russian high society, bringing Caucasian exoticism to European salons.